Gillian is a common female given name that has roots in the Latin name Julius. It is often associated with qualities such as youthfulness and cheerfulness. The name has various spellings and variations, including Jillian and Gillianne, and is popular in English-speaking countries. In popular culture, Gillian can refer to characters in books, movies, or television shows. For example, Gillian Anderson is a well-known actress famous for her role as Dana Scully in the television series The X-Files. The name is also used in various artistic works, contributing to its recognition and appeal.